DEPT OF BOTANY



Researcher : Cai Y

Project Title:Investigating structure-activity relationships of natural phenolic antioxidants from traditional Chinese medicinal plants
Investigator(s):Cai Y, Sun M, Corke H
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2004
Completion Date:04/2006
Abstract:
To investigate and elucidate the structure-antioxidant activity relationships of representative natural phenolic antioxidants from traditional Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer using the improved ABTS⋅+ method (TEAC assay) at the basis of chemical structural analysis.


List of Research Outputs

Cai Y. and Corke H., Cereals: biology, pre- and post-harvest management, In: Handbook of Food Science, Technology, and Engineering" Volume 1. New York, CRC Press, 2006, Pages 17-1 - 17-20 (Y.H. Hui, eds.).
Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., Development and application of betalains from the Amaranthaceae, Trends in food science & technology. 2005, 16: 370-376 (invited review).
Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., HPLC characterization of betalains from plants in the Amaranthaceae, Journal of Chromatographic Science. 2005, 43: 454-460.
Cai Y., Xing J., Sun M., Zhang Z.Q. and Corke H., Phenolic antioxidants (hydrolyzable tannins, flavonols, and anthocyanins) identified by LC-ESI-MS and MALDI-QIT-TOF MS from Rosa chinensis flowers, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 9940-9948.
Cai Y., Xing J., Sun M. and Corke H., Rapid identification of betacyanins from Amaranthus tricolor, Gomphrena globosa, and Hylocereus polyrhizus by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF MS), Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006, 54 (18): 6520-6526.
Cai Y., Sun M., Xing J., Luo Q. and Corke H., Structure-radical scavenging activity relationships of phenolic compounds from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, Life Sciences. 2006, 78: 2872-2888.
Shan B., Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., Antioxidant capacity of 26 common spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 7749-7759.


Researcher : Chen G

List of Research Outputs

Chen G. and Chen S.F., Growing phototrophic cells without light, Biotechnology Letters. 2006, 28: 607-616.


Researcher : Chen SF

Project Title:Transgenic chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an experimental system to study astaxanthin biosynthesis in green microalgae
Investigator(s):Chen SF, Huang J, Sandmann G
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
To construct plasmids contianing single bkt ([beta]-carotene ketolase), and bhy ([beta]-carotene hydroxylase) under the control of a synthetic inducible promoter, and construct a bi-directional polar promoter for directing the expression of bkt and bhy; to introduce the gene bkt and/or bhy into C. reinhardtii; to investigate the expression of transgenes in C. reinhardtii; to study the molecular aspects of astaxanthin biosysthesis; and to investigate growth kinetics and productivity of astaxanthin of the Chlamydomonas mutants under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic culture conditions.


Project Title:Transgenic chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an experimental system to study astaxanthin biosynthesis in green microalgae
Investigator(s):Chen SF, Huang J, Sandmann G
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Enhanced biosynthesis of astaxanthin in the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis
Investigator(s):Chen SF
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2003
Abstract:
To investigate the biosynthesis of the ketocarotenoid astaxanthin in mixotrophic or heterotrophic culture of the microalga C. zofingiensis in which glucose and nitrate are manipulated to facilitate high-yield production of the pigment.


Project Title:New antiparasitic molecules from microalgae
Investigator(s):Chen SF, Vivares C.
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:France/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme - Travel Grants
Start Date:01/2004
Completion Date:12/2005
Abstract:
To obtain new antiparasitic molecules from microalgae from natural sources.


Project Title:Molecular analyses of astaxanthin biosynthesis in green microalgae
Investigator(s):Chen SF
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:09/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Molecular analyses of astaxanthin biosynthesis in green microalgae
Investigator(s):Chen SF, Huang J, Sandmann G
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2005
Abstract:
To isolate crtO and crtZ from H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis; to characterize the crtO and crtZ; to functionally analyze the CRTO and CRTZ; to compare the regulation of crtO and crtZ and to analyze the pigment profile of the two microalgae.


Project Title:Mechanism of biosynthesis of ketocarotenoids in green algae
Investigator(s):Chen SF
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:03/2006
Abstract:
Photosynthetic organisms including microalgae possess mechanisms to protect themselves against light-dependent oxidative damage. The xanthophylls cycle (the reversible interconversion of two carotenoids, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin) is one such mechanism that has a key photoprotective role. Some green algae (e.g., Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis etc.), are peculiar in that they accumulate significant quantities of astaxanthin when exposed to high light intensity or other unfavorable growth conditions. High expression of β-carotene oxygenase gene (crtO) and hydroxylase gene (crtZ), the two genes involved in astaxanthin biosynthesis, has been found to correlate to their tolerance in extreme environments. My laboratory has recently found that H. pluvialis contains at least three different crtO genes and two crtZ genes. The high expression of these multiple gene families is correlated to the high yield of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis. This prompts us to study the nature of crtO and crtZ in H. pluvialis, as well as in C. zofingiensis, another green microalga that can grow extremely fast with glucose as sole carbon and energy source but contains only moderate amounts of astaxanthin. By comparing the genes and their expression, the carotenogenic process, and pigment profiles of the algae, we expect to find out the factors that control the biosynthesis of ketocarotenoids in green microalgae. Following are the specific objectives of the proposed research: (1) to isolate β-carotene oxygenase (crtO) and hydroxylase genes (crtZ) from green microalgae; (2) to characterize the crtO and crtZ; (3) to clone and functionally analyze the cDNAs of CRTO and CRTZ; (4) to compare the regulations of crtO and crtZ between the two algae under different stress conditions; and (5) to analyze the pigment profiles of the green microalgae. In order to achieve the project objectives, the following issues need to be addressed: (1) How to isolate the crtO and crtZ from green mciroalgae such as C. zofingiensis? (2) How to analyze the functions of crtO and crtZ? (3) What methods can be employed to rapidly monitor the expression of crtO and crtZ? To answer these problems, effective methods should be used. The cDNAs of crtO and crtZ have been cloned from H. pluvialis, which involves screening a cDNA library with heterologous probes and using functional complement in an engineered E. coli that synthesizes β-carotene. Such methods, however, are labour intensive and only highly differentially expressed genes can be cloned. In the present proposal, the Familywalker strategy that is suitable for the rapid characterization of gene families will be adopted to clone the crtO and crtZ gene families from H. pluvialis and C. zofingiensis. Their corresponding cDNAs will be cloned by the RT-PCR method and analyzed with functional complement in engineered E. coli. With the cloned genes in hand, specific PCR primers can be designed. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR with the primers is an effective method to monitor the expression of crtO and crtZ. Alternatively, Northern blots may be used to monitor the expression of the genes.


List of Research Outputs

Chen G. and Chen S.F., Growing phototrophic cells without light, Biotechnology Letters. 2006, 28: 607-616.
Chen S.F., Heterotrophic microalgal production of the carotenoids lutein and astaxanthin, Abstracts and Program of the Society for Industrial Microbiology Annual Meeting, 21-25 August 2005, Chicago, USA. 2005, p. 65.
He H.Z., Li H., Jiang Y. and Chen S.F., Determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in cultured microalgae by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 1014-1017.
He H.Z., Li H. and Chen S.F., Determination of vitamin B1 in seawater and microalgal fermentation media by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 875-879.
Hu J.M., Wei D., Guo S.Y. and Chen S.F., High-efficient purification and characterization of b-phycoerythrin from red microalgae Porphyridium cruentum, Book of Abstracts of 6th International Conference on Food Science and Technology, 6-9 November 2005, Guangzhou, China. 2005, p. 89.
Huang J., Wang Y., Sandmann G. and Chen S.F., Isolation and characterization of a carotenoid oxygenase gene from Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta), Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2006, 71: 473-479.
Huang J., Wong K.H. and Chen S.F., Metabolic engineering of carotenoid biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for production of astaxanthin, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, p. 158.
Huang J. and Chen S.F., Simultaneous amplification of 5' and 3' cDNA ends based on template-switching effect and inverse PCR, Biotechniques. 2006, 40: 187-189.
Huang J., Chen S.F. and Sandmann G., Stress-related differential expression of multiple b-carotene ketolase genes in the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, Journal of Biotechnology. 2006, 122: 176-185.
Ip P.F. and Chen S.F., Employment of reactive oxygen species to enhance astaxanthin formation in Chlorella zofingiensis in heterotrophic culture, Process Biochemistry. 2005, 40: 3491-3496.
Ip P.F. and Chen S.F., Peroxynitrite and nitryl chloride enhance astaxanthin production by the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis in heterotrophic culture, Process Biochemistry. 2005, 40: 3595-3599.
Li H., Fan K.W. and Chen S.F., Isolation and purification of canthaxanthin from the microalga Chlorella zofingiensis by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Separation Science. 2006, 29(5): 699-703.
Li H. and Chen S.F., Preparative isolation and purification of phillyrin from the medicinal plant Forsythia suspensa by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Chromatography A. 2005, 1083: 102-105.
Li Y., Wang J.X., Sommerfeld M., Chen S.F. and Hu Q., Understanding the role of astaxanthin in stress defense in Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophycean): new evidence from molecular genetics, biochemical, and physiological perspectives, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, pp. 145-146.
Liu X. and Chen S.F., Potential uses of cyanobacterial polysaccharides in the food industry, In: Shetty, K., Paliyath, G., Pometto, A & Levin, R.E. (eds), Food Biotechnology, 2nd edition. Boca Raton, CRC press, 2005, pp. 473-490.
Pahl S., Lewis D. and Chen S.F., Proximate biochemical composition and fatty acid profile of the diatom Cyclotella cryptica under heterotrophic growth conditions, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, pp. 50-51.
Wang S.B., Chen S.F., Sommerfeld M. and Hu Q., Isolation and characterization of cell wall-deficient Haematococcus pluvialis mutants, Proteomics. 2005, 5: 4839-4851.
Wong C.C., Li H., Cheng K.W. and Chen S.F., A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Food Chemistry. 2006, 97: 705-711.
Zhang X.W., Yap Y.L., Wei D., Chen S.F. and Danchin A., Molecular diagnosis of human cancer type by gene expression profiles and independent component analysis, European Journal of Human Genetics. 2005, 13: 1303-1311.
Zhang Y.F., Wei D., Guo S.Y. and Chen S.F., Free radical scavenging ability of the carrot juice fermented by Lactobacillus, Book of Abstracts of 6th International Conference on Food Science and Technology, 6-9 November 2005, Guangzhou, China. 2005, pp. 60-61.


Researcher : Cheng KW

List of Research Outputs

Wong C.C., Li H., Cheng K.W. and Chen S.F., A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Food Chemistry. 2006, 97: 705-711.


Researcher : Chibbar RN

List of Research Outputs

Lu B., Baga M., Sun M., Corke H. and Chibbar R.N., Isolation, characterization, and expression of starch synthase genes from grain amaranth, The 12th Annual Life Sciences Research Conference, March 17 - 18, 2005, University of Saskastchewan, Canada. 2005.


Researcher : Choi ESM

List of Research Outputs

Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Conformational study of globulin from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 8046-8053.
Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Study of thermal aggregation of globulin from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by size-exclusion chromatography and laser light scattering, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006, 54: 554-561.
Ellepola S.W., Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Conformational study of globulin from rice (Oryza sativa) seeds by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Elsevier, 2005, 37: 12-20.
Ellepola S.W., Choi E.S.M., Phillips D.L. and Ma C.Y., Raman spectroscopic study of rice globulin, Journal of Cereal Science. 2006, 43: 85-93.


Researcher : Chu YY

List of Research Outputs

Chu Y.Y. and Tsang J.S.H., Characterization of the putative promoter of the haloacid operon of Burkholderia sp. MBA4, In Abstracts of the 10th International Symposium on the Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, Prague, Czech Republic. 2006, p. 79.
Tsang J.S.H., Chu Y.Y. and Kong K.F., The haloacid dehalogenase gene of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4 is regulated both negatively and positively, In Abstracts of 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan. 2006, p. 235.


Researcher : Chye ML

Project Title:Production of fungus-resistant transgenic potato
Investigator(s):Chye ML
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Areas of Excellence Scheme
Start Date:03/2000
Abstract:
To produce fungus-resistant transgenic potato.


Project Title:Functional analysis of novel arabidopsis ACBPs containing kelch motifs
Investigator(s):Chye ML
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2004
Abstract:
To establish the function of these novel ACBPs by investigating: (1) the function of their acyl-CoA binding domains in preferentially binding oleoyl-CoA. (2) the significance of their kelch motifs in mediating protein-protein interactions, to identify their protein partners which will further verify their roles in plant lipid metabolism.


Project Title:Identification of phytopathogens susceptible to agglutinating chitinase BjCHI1
Investigator(s):Chye ML, Taylor PWJ
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2004
Completion Date:10/2005
Abstract:
To identify phytopathogens that are susceptible to BjCHI1 action.


Project Title:Functional analysis of novel arabidopsis ACBPs containing kelch motifs
Investigator(s):Chye ML
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Subcellular localization of three Arabidopsis ACBPs
Investigator(s):Chye ML
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:09/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Subcellular localization of three Arabidopsis ACBPs
Investigator(s):Chye ML
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2005
Abstract:
To carry out the generation of GFP-tagged ACBP3, ACBP4 and ACBP5; to carry out the use of GFP-fusions for transient expression in onion epidermal cells and in agroinfiltrated tobacco leaves; to carry out the use of GFP- fusions for stable transformation of Arabidopsis follwed by western blot analysis on subcellular fractions.


List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Li H., Ramalingam S., Poon L.L.M. and Peiris J.S.M., Genetically modified plants comprising SARS-CoV viral nucleotide sequences and methods of use thereof for immunization against SARS, US Patent Application No. 11/004,399 filed December 3, 2004 [US20060053516-A1 published March 9, 2006]. United States Patent Office. 2006.
Chye M.L. and Zhao K.J., Genetically modified plants with enhanced resistance to fungal disease and a method of production thereof, US Patent No. 6,956.147 issued October 18, 2005 based on US Patent Application No. 10/300,818 filed November 20, 2002. 2005.
Chye M.L., Investigations on an agglutinating chitinase from Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Malaysia, July 15, 2005 (Invited lecture). 2005.
Chye M.L., Investigations on an agglutinating chitinase from Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), School of Arts and Science, Monash University Malaysia, July 15, 2005 (Invited lecture). 2005.
Chye M.L., Member (Editor), Planta Editorial Board, Planta (Springer-Verlag GmbH), from September 2005, 2005.
Chye M.L., Sin S.F., Xu Z.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Proteinase inhibitor proteins: exogenous and endogenous functions, In Vitro-Plant (In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant) Invited review article. Wallingford, CABI Publishing, 2006, 42: 100-108.
Chye M.L., Sin S.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Serine proteinase inhibitors are essential for seed development, 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan, June 18-23, 2006. Poster 1P-C-210, p. 226. 2006.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.
Nagegowda D.A., Ramalingam S., Hemmerlin A., Bach T.J. and Chye M.L., Brassica juncea HMG-CoA synthase: localization of mRNA and protein, Planta. 2005, 221: 844-856.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Down-regulation of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II causes defective seed development, Plant Journal. 2006, 45: 58-70.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Expression of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II is essential for seed development , In "Floriculture, ornamental and plant biotechnology: advances and topical tissues" edited by J.A. Teixeira de Silva. London, Global Science Books, 2006, Chapter 48: p. 447-453.
Ubhayasekera W., Rawat R., Ho S.W.T., Wiweger M., Arnold V.O.N., Chye M.L. and Mowbray S.L., The first crystal structures of a class IV chitinase from Picea abies, Tenth Annual Conference of the Swedish Structural Biology Network, Tallberg, Sweden, June 16-19, 2006. Poster 75. 2006.
Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Corke H

Project Title:The diversity of cereal grain products in Hong Kong and southern China
Investigator(s):Corke H
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund
Start Date:01/1996
Abstract:
The cereal industry in this region is incredibly diverse. There is a vast expansion of diversity fueled by increasing consumer affluence in China, and by the need for convenience products. What attributes of the cereal grain raw materials are most relaated to quality of these products? What additives and modified starches will be in most demand in future? Without basic scientific analysis of products on the market, these questions cannot be answered.


Project Title:Behavior of human incisor teeth in relation to sensory appreciation of texture
Investigator(s):Corke H, Lucas W, Agrawal KR
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:03/2005
Abstract:
Introduction People obtain great enjoyment from eating their food. The enjoyment of food is a sensory pleasure that is appreciated from the cradle to the grave. The first bite, which provides a chance for teeth to contact the food, plays a critical role for people to assess the class of food. The incisor teeth used to cut or incise foods are the main agent for biting off a piece of food or cutting into small pieces when necessary. The fundamental mechanical parameters include fracture stress and strain, yield stress, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, coefficient of friction and fracture toughness, which associated with texture in food products, are used to describe the food material characterization. In contrast to mastication, the resistance of a food to an incisal bite will depend basically on the square root of two major food properties, Young’s modulus (elastic modulus) and fracture toughness. For many foods, the quantity should be approximately equal to the product of the stress cracking during a bite and the square root of the length of a notch or indentation from which this crack initiates (index). There are many different kinds of starch-based foods with special good taste and abundant nutrition in Asian. Millions of people in Asian prefer to choose starch-based foods for the major food of their meal as well. To develop an instrumental method predicting the sensory perception of the textural properties of Asian starch-based foods have important significant to meet the need of the consumer’s preference. The aims of this study are to establish the dental variables responsible for variation in the index, and apply the methodology to two food systems – a model system of starch gels with widely varying textural properties and an applied system using a range of noodle formulations. Via simple but fundamentally grounded experiments, applications to both dental and food industry practice can be established. Literature Review The acceptability of many classes of food to consumers is strongly influenced by expectations about food texture. Food texture is defined as “all the rheological and structural (geometric and surface) attributes of product perceptible by means of mechanical, tactile, and, where appropriate, visual and auditory receptors” (Lawless & Heymann, 1998). By this definition, food texture can be evaluated manually. There have been a large number of studies of incision by food scientists in relation to consumer preferences. Perceptions of fracture should be evaluated using teeth and the first bite with the incisors seems particularly critical in formulating opinions (Bourne, 2002). Mechanical elements are often simultaneously investigated by various instruments and then correlations are established between sensory terms and mechanical properties. Most analyses (Meullenet, 2002; Hylander, 1975) have centered on the correlation of psychophysical responses with the mechanical characteristics of foods obtained from tests made with universal testing machines. Significant correlations between a perceived food quality and a mechanical property do not imply a functional relationship. Materials must be homogeneous and isotropic, and be in a geometrical shape such that stresses and strains can be precisely calculated. If only a limited range of foods is offered, their mechanical properties would likely be correlated with each other (Ashby 1998). Any number of nonsensical conclusions might follow, which will only become apparent when predictions subsequently break down on a broader range of foods. However, food scientists have largely ignored the theory of fracture in their mechanical characterizations of starch-based food. There have been many more such studies on other foods, such as cheese, nuts, etc. Applying fracture mechanics, Vincent et al. (2002) found that the critical stress intensity factor, KIC, of foods, a parameter related to crack initiation, was linearly related to perceived measures of ‘hardness’ and ‘crunchiness’ as evaluated by trained ‘taste’ panelists. Vincent et al. suggested that mechanical characterizations of foods founded on sound theoretical support could replace the need for panels of this type since these are simpler and cheaper to run than taste panels and are free from cultural and linguistic limitations. The first bite has been instrumented before (Kohyama & Nishi 1997; Kohyama et al. 2001), but the use of the fracture theory and its potential for characterizing bite efficiency appears firmly linked to J.F.V. Vincent’s pioneering work. So applying the theory of fracture to the mechanical characterization of starch-based foods has very important significance.


Project Title:Molecular markers for starch and oil content and distribution in maize
Investigator(s):Corke H
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Bao J., Corke H. and Sun M., Analysis of genetic diversity and relationships in waxy rice (Oryza sativa L.) using AFLP and ISSR markers, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2006, 53: 323-330.
Bao J., Shen S.Q., Sun M. and Corke H., Analysis of genotypic diversity in the starch physicochemical properties of nonwaxy rice: Apparent amylose content, pasting viscosity and gel texture, Starch. 2006, 58: 259-267.
Cai Y. and Corke H., Cereals: biology, pre- and post-harvest management, In: Handbook of Food Science, Technology, and Engineering" Volume 1. New York, CRC Press, 2006, Pages 17-1 - 17-20 (Y.H. Hui, eds.).
Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., Development and application of betalains from the Amaranthaceae, Trends in food science & technology. 2005, 16: 370-376 (invited review).
Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., HPLC characterization of betalains from plants in the Amaranthaceae, Journal of Chromatographic Science. 2005, 43: 454-460.
Cai Y., Xing J., Sun M., Zhang Z.Q. and Corke H., Phenolic antioxidants (hydrolyzable tannins, flavonols, and anthocyanins) identified by LC-ESI-MS and MALDI-QIT-TOF MS from Rosa chinensis flowers, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 9940-9948.
Cai Y., Xing J., Sun M. and Corke H., Rapid identification of betacyanins from Amaranthus tricolor, Gomphrena globosa, and Hylocereus polyrhizus by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF MS), Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006, 54 (18): 6520-6526.
Cai Y., Sun M., Xing J., Luo Q. and Corke H., Structure-radical scavenging activity relationships of phenolic compounds from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, Life Sciences. 2006, 78: 2872-2888.
Li W., Shan F., Sun S., Corke H. and Beta T., Free radical scavenging properties and phenolic content of Chinese black-grained wheat, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 8533-8536.
Li W., Beta T. and Corke H., Protein characteristics of Chinese black-grained wheat, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2006, 98: 661-670.
Lu B., Baga M., Sun M., Corke H. and Chibbar R.N., Isolation, characterization, and expression of starch synthase genes from grain amaranth, The 12th Annual Life Sciences Research Conference, March 17 - 18, 2005, University of Saskastchewan, Canada. 2005.
Shan B., Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., Antioxidant capacity of 26 common spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 7749-7759.
Sui Z., Agrawal K.R., Corke H. and Lucas P.W., Biting efficiency in relation to incisal angulation, Archives of Oral Biology. 2006, 51: 491-497.
Wu J.P., Beta T. and Corke H., Effect of salt and alkaline reagents on the dynamic rheological properties of raw oriental wheat noodles, Cereal Chemistry. 2006, 83: 211-217.
Wu J.P. and Corke H., Quality of dried white salted noodles affected by microbial transglutaminase, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2005, 85: 2587-2594.


Researcher : Fan KW

List of Research Outputs

Li H., Fan K.W. and Chen S.F., Isolation and purification of canthaxanthin from the microalga Chlorella zofingiensis by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Separation Science. 2006, 29(5): 699-703.


Researcher : Fang X

List of Research Outputs

Fang X., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y. and Chang R.C.C., Immune modulatory effects of Prunella vulgaris L. on monocytes/macrophages, International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2005, 16: 1109-1116.


Researcher : Ho SWT

List of Research Outputs

Ubhayasekera W., Rawat R., Ho S.W.T., Wiweger M., Arnold V.O.N., Chye M.L. and Mowbray S.L., The first crystal structures of a class IV chitinase from Picea abies, Tenth Annual Conference of the Swedish Structural Biology Network, Tallberg, Sweden, June 16-19, 2006. Poster 75. 2006.


Researcher : Huang J

List of Research Outputs

Huang J., Wang Y., Sandmann G. and Chen S.F., Isolation and characterization of a carotenoid oxygenase gene from Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta), Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 2006, 71: 473-479.
Huang J., Wong K.H. and Chen S.F., Metabolic engineering of carotenoid biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for production of astaxanthin, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, p. 158.
Huang J. and Chen S.F., Simultaneous amplification of 5' and 3' cDNA ends based on template-switching effect and inverse PCR, Biotechniques. 2006, 40: 187-189.
Huang J., Chen S.F. and Sandmann G., Stress-related differential expression of multiple b-carotene ketolase genes in the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, Journal of Biotechnology. 2006, 122: 176-185.


Researcher : Ip PF

List of Research Outputs

Ip P.F. and Chen S.F., Employment of reactive oxygen species to enhance astaxanthin formation in Chlorella zofingiensis in heterotrophic culture, Process Biochemistry. 2005, 40: 3491-3496.
Ip P.F. and Chen S.F., Peroxynitrite and nitryl chloride enhance astaxanthin production by the green microalga Chlorella zofingiensis in heterotrophic culture, Process Biochemistry. 2005, 40: 3595-3599.


Researcher : Kong KF

List of Research Outputs

Tsang J.S.H., Chu Y.Y. and Kong K.F., The haloacid dehalogenase gene of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4 is regulated both negatively and positively, In Abstracts of 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan. 2006, p. 235.


Researcher : Lam E

List of Research Outputs

Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Lee YT

List of Research Outputs

Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Leung CM

List of Research Outputs

Yip W.K. and Leung C.M., Characterization of two auxin-induced ACC synthase genes in tomatoes, 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto, Japan. 2006.


Researcher : Leung KC

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Leung KC

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Leung KCJ

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C.J. and Tsang J.S.H., Purification of a transcriptional regulator of the haloacid dehalogenase gene of Burkholderia sp. MBA4, In Abstracts of the 10th International Symposium on the Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, Prague, Czech Republic. 2006, p. 78.


Researcher : Li H

List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Li H., Ramalingam S., Poon L.L.M. and Peiris J.S.M., Genetically modified plants comprising SARS-CoV viral nucleotide sequences and methods of use thereof for immunization against SARS, US Patent Application No. 11/004,399 filed December 3, 2004 [US20060053516-A1 published March 9, 2006]. United States Patent Office. 2006.
He H.Z., Li H., Jiang Y. and Chen S.F., Determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in cultured microalgae by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 1014-1017.
He H.Z., Li H. and Chen S.F., Determination of vitamin B1 in seawater and microalgal fermentation media by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 875-879.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.
Li H., Fan K.W. and Chen S.F., Isolation and purification of canthaxanthin from the microalga Chlorella zofingiensis by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Separation Science. 2006, 29(5): 699-703.
Li H. and Chen S.F., Preparative isolation and purification of phillyrin from the medicinal plant Forsythia suspensa by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Chromatography A. 2005, 1083: 102-105.
Wong C.C., Li H., Cheng K.W. and Chen S.F., A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Food Chemistry. 2006, 97: 705-711.


Researcher : Li H

Project Title:Isolation and Purification of Antioxidants from Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Investigator(s):Li H, Chen SF
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:10/2005
Abstract:
The oxidative damages caused by reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide radical, hydroxyl radicals and peroxyl radicals, on lipids, proteins and nucleic acids may trigger various chronic diseases such as coronary heart diseases, atherosclerosis, cancer and aging (Willett, 1991; Finkel & Holbrook, 2000). The health promoting effect of antioxidants from plants is thought to arise from their protective effects by counteracting reactive oxygen species. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse association between intake of antioxidants and mortality from age-related diseases such as coronary heart diseases and cancer (Gey, 1990; La Vecchia, 2001). Chinese medicinal herbs have been used to treat human diseases in China for centuries. People are becoming increasingly interested in Chinese medicinal herbs because of their low toxicity and good therapeutic performance. In recent years, studies on antioxidant activity of Chinese medicinal herbs have increased remarkably due to increased interest in their potential of being used as a rich and natural source for extracting antioxidant compounds (Liu & Ng, 2000; Ou et al, 2003; Cai, 2004; Tang et al, 2004). Chinese medicinal herbs contained a wide variety of natural antioxidants such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins, which possess diverse biological activities such as promoting blood circulation, elevating immune function, anticancer and anti-aging (Cai, 1999; Shen, 2000). These activities may be related to their antioxidant activity (Chung et al, 1998; Yim & Ko, 2002). Our recent study showed that the stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (Ye Jiao Teng) possessed very strong antioxidant activity, an even more potent antioxidant capacity (approximate 2 times) than its root (He Sou Wu), which is a famous Chinese medicinal herb that has been used as a tonic and an anti-aging agent (Wong, 2006). This result has been proved further by three different extract methods (boiling water, 80% methanol, and 50% ethanol) and three antioxidant evaluation methods (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, and Folin-Ciocalteu method) in our laboratory recently. With the assumption that antioxidant activity is the chief activity responsible for the health benefits of the root of P. multiflorum Thunb, the stem of this medicinal plant is therefore likely to possess greater health benefits than the root. Furthermore, the stem of P. multiflorum Thunb is available at a low cost and thus provides an economic source of natural antioxidants. However, no report on the antioxidant components of the stem of P. multiflorum Thunb could be found in the literature. Therefore, isolation and characterization of its individual antioxidant components is very interesting and important. The objectives of the proposed research are: (1) to find out antioxidant components in the stem of P. multiflorum Thunb; (2) to identify molecule structures of the compounds with antioxidant activity; (3) to establish a high-speed counter-current chromatographic method for the preparation of pure antioxidants from the crude extract of the stem of P. multiflorum Thunb. In order to achieve the objective, several issues need to be addressed: (1) How to isolate and purify antioxidant components in the herb? (2) How to identify molecule structures of the compounds with antioxidant activity? (3) How to prepare pure antioxidants from the crude extract of this herb? Findings from the proposed study will provide scientific basis for the better and wider use of this herb. It is hoped also that new antioxidant compounds might be found from the proposed study. References cited Cai YM, Ren YR, Wang L , Zhang GT (1999) Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Huaxia Press, Beijing. Cai YZ, Luo Q, Sun M, Corke H (2004) Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of 112 Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer. Life Sci. 74: 21572184. Chung KT, Wong TY, Huang YW, Lin Y (1998) Tannins and human health: a review. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 38: 421–464. Finkel T, Holbrook NJ (2000) Oxidants, oxidative stress and the biology of ageing. Nature 408: 239247. Gey KF (1990) The antioxidant hypothesis of cardiovascular disease: epidemiology and mechanisms. Biochem. Soc. Trans.18: 1041 1045. La Vecchia C, Altieri A, Tavani A (2001) Vegetables, fruits, antioxidants and cancer: a review of Italian studies. Eur. J. Nutr. 40: 261267. Liu F, Ng TB (2000) Antioxidative and free radical scavenging activities of selected medicinal herbs. Life Sci. 66: 725735. Ou BX, Huang DJ, Hampsch-Woodill M (2003) When east meets west: the relationship between yin-yang and antioxidation-oxidation. FASEB J. 17: 127129. Shen YJ (2000) Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine. People' Health Press, Beijing. Tang SY, Whiteman M, Peng ZF, Jenner A, Yong EL, Halliwell B (2004) Characterization of antioxidant and antiglycation properties and isolation of active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 36: 15751587. Willett WC (1991) Micronutrients and cancer risk. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 53: 265S269S. Wong CC, Li HB, Cheng KW, Chen F (2006) A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Food Chem. (In press, and available online from 14 July 2005). Yim TK, Ko KM (2002) Antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of Chinese tonifying herbs. Pharm. Biol. 40: 329-335.


List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Li H., Ramalingam S., Poon L.L.M. and Peiris J.S.M., Genetically modified plants comprising SARS-CoV viral nucleotide sequences and methods of use thereof for immunization against SARS, US Patent Application No. 11/004,399 filed December 3, 2004 [US20060053516-A1 published March 9, 2006]. United States Patent Office. 2006.
He H.Z., Li H., Jiang Y. and Chen S.F., Determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in cultured microalgae by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 1014-1017.
He H.Z., Li H. and Chen S.F., Determination of vitamin B1 in seawater and microalgal fermentation media by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2005, 383: 875-879.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.
Li H., Fan K.W. and Chen S.F., Isolation and purification of canthaxanthin from the microalga Chlorella zofingiensis by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Separation Science. 2006, 29(5): 699-703.
Li H. and Chen S.F., Preparative isolation and purification of phillyrin from the medicinal plant Forsythia suspensa by high-speed counter-current chromatography, Journal of Chromatography A. 2005, 1083: 102-105.
Wong C.C., Li H., Cheng K.W. and Chen S.F., A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Food Chemistry. 2006, 97: 705-711.


Researcher : Li W

List of Research Outputs

Li W., Beta T. and Corke H., Protein characteristics of Chinese black-grained wheat, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2006, 98: 661-670.


Researcher : Li Y

List of Research Outputs

Li Y., Wang J.X., Sommerfeld M., Chen S.F. and Hu Q., Understanding the role of astaxanthin in stress defense in Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophycean): new evidence from molecular genetics, biochemical, and physiological perspectives, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, pp. 145-146.


Researcher : Liu X

List of Research Outputs

Liu X. and Chen S.F., Potential uses of cyanobacterial polysaccharides in the food industry, In: Shetty, K., Paliyath, G., Pometto, A & Levin, R.E. (eds), Food Biotechnology, 2nd edition. Boca Raton, CRC press, 2005, pp. 473-490.


Researcher : Lo CSC

Project Title:Identification of proteins targeted for degradation in Arabidopsis thaliana during disease resistance responses
Investigator(s):Lo CSC, Lam E
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:10/2003
Abstract:
To identify targets of Sgt1-mediated protein degradation pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana using the following two approaches; (1) Generation and characterization of 2000 transposon-assisted exon trap lines; (2) 2D-gel electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF based proteomics profiling of Sgt1mutants.


Project Title:Identification of proteins targeted for degradation in Arabidopsis thaliana during disease resistance responses
Investigator(s):Lo CSC, Lam E
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:10/2003
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Functional characterization and metabolic engineering of flavonoid pathways in rice
Investigator(s):Lo CSC, Lam E
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:10/2004
Abstract:
To study: (1) functional characterization of 8 selected homologs of flavonoid structural genes in rice i) complementation of Arabidopsis tt mutants ii) generation and analysis of rice gene suppression mutants. (2) generation of transgenic rice with enhanced and/or novel flavonoid metabolites in endosperm.


Project Title:Gene discovery for the phytoalexin biosynthesis pathway in Sorghum bicolor
Investigator(s):Lo CSC
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:01/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
In this study, we will generate a subtraction sorghum cDNA library enriched in defense responsive genes. Following sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, selected cDNA clones will be subject to time-course expression analysis in infected tissues.


Project Title:Functional characterization and metabolic engineering of flavonoid pathways in rice
Investigator(s):Lo CSC
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Metabolic profiling and gene expression analysis of defense pathways in Sorghum bicolor
Investigator(s):Lo CSC
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2006
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Metabolic profiling and gene expression analysis of defense pathways in Sorghum bicolor
Investigator(s):Lo CSC, Chu IK
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:01/2006
Abstract:
To metabolic profiling of infected sorghum plants using LC-MS/MS; to identification of secondary metabolism genes in infected sorghum plants by subtractive hybridization.


List of Research Outputs

Lam N.W., Yu K.Y., Le Blanc J...C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SBSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic Arabidopsis by means of tandem mass spectrometry, 54th American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference, Seattle, USA. 2006.
Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidopsis by means of tandem mass spectrometry , Poster Presentation in Proceedings of 54th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topies, Seattle, Washington State, U.S.A., May 28 - June 1, 2006 . 2006, Poster No. 466.
Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidposis by means of tandem mass spectrometry, Poster Presentation in 13rd Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong , University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, April 22, 2006 . 2006, Poster No. A23.


Researcher : Ma CY

Project Title:Analysis of chemically modified non-starch polysaccharides by Raman spectroscopy
Investigator(s):Ma CY
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2003
Abstract:
To apply the technique of Raman spectroscopy for determining degrees of chemical modification in proteins, and extend the technique to study modified non-starch polysaccharides.


Project Title:Study of protein-lipid interactions in food
Investigator(s):Ma CY
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Conformational study of globulin from common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 8046-8053.
Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Study of thermal aggregation of globulin from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) by size-exclusion chromatography and laser light scattering, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006, 54: 554-561.
Ellepola S.W., Choi E.S.M. and Ma C.Y., Conformational study of globulin from rice (Oryza sativa) seeds by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Elsevier, 2005, 37: 12-20.
Ellepola S.W., Choi E.S.M., Phillips D.L. and Ma C.Y., Raman spectroscopic study of rice globulin, Journal of Cereal Science. 2006, 43: 85-93.
Ellepola S.W. and Ma C.Y., Thermal properties of globulin from rice (Oryza sativa) seeds, In: Elsevier, Food Research International. 2006, 39: 257-264.
Ma C.Y., Member, Editorial Board, Trends in Food Science & Technology . 2005.
Rout M.K. and Ma C.Y., Food analysis: other methods, In: Hui, YH, Handbook of Food Science, Technology and Engineering. Raton Boca, FL, USA, Taylor & Francis, 2006, 1: Chapter 49.
Wong C.M.Q., Sze K.H. and Ma C.Y., Structural determination of an antimicrobial peptide by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA. June, 2006.
Wong C.W., Ma C.Y. and Sze K.H., Structure determination of an antimicrobial peptide derived from human lactoferricin by circular dichroism and nuclear magentic resonance spectroscopic techniques , The 13th Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, April 22, 2006. O-51.
Wong H.W. and Ma C.Y., Raman spectroscopic determination of extent of deamidation of food proteins, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting . 2005.
Yuen S.N. and Ma C.Y., Determination of degree of substitution of chemically modified xanthan by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic methods, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA. June, 2006.


Researcher : Nagegowda DA

List of Research Outputs

Nagegowda D.A., Ramalingam S., Hemmerlin A., Bach T.J. and Chye M.L., Brassica juncea HMG-CoA synthase: localization of mRNA and protein, Planta. 2005, 221: 844-856.


Researcher : Ng MH

List of Research Outputs

Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Ramalingam S

List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Li H., Ramalingam S., Poon L.L.M. and Peiris J.S.M., Genetically modified plants comprising SARS-CoV viral nucleotide sequences and methods of use thereof for immunization against SARS, US Patent Application No. 11/004,399 filed December 3, 2004 [US20060053516-A1 published March 9, 2006]. United States Patent Office. 2006.
Nagegowda D.A., Ramalingam S., Hemmerlin A., Bach T.J. and Chye M.L., Brassica juncea HMG-CoA synthase: localization of mRNA and protein, Planta. 2005, 221: 844-856.


Researcher : Rawat R

List of Research Outputs

Ubhayasekera W., Rawat R., Ho S.W.T., Wiweger M., Arnold V.O.N., Chye M.L. and Mowbray S.L., The first crystal structures of a class IV chitinase from Picea abies, Tenth Annual Conference of the Swedish Structural Biology Network, Tallberg, Sweden, June 16-19, 2006. Poster 75. 2006.


Researcher : Shan B

List of Research Outputs

Shan B., Cai Y., Sun M. and Corke H., Antioxidant capacity of 26 common spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53: 7749-7759.


Researcher : Sin SF

List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Sin S.F., Xu Z.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Proteinase inhibitor proteins: exogenous and endogenous functions, In Vitro-Plant (In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant) Invited review article. Wallingford, CABI Publishing, 2006, 42: 100-108.
Chye M.L., Sin S.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Serine proteinase inhibitors are essential for seed development, 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan, June 18-23, 2006. Poster 1P-C-210, p. 226. 2006.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Down-regulation of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II causes defective seed development, Plant Journal. 2006, 45: 58-70.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Expression of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II is essential for seed development , In "Floriculture, ornamental and plant biotechnology: advances and topical tissues" edited by J.A. Teixeira de Silva. London, Global Science Books, 2006, Chapter 48: p. 447-453.


Researcher : Sui Z

List of Research Outputs

Sui Z., Agrawal K.R., Corke H. and Lucas P.W., Biting efficiency in relation to incisal angulation, Archives of Oral Biology. 2006, 51: 491-497.


Researcher : Tsang JSH

Project Title:Isolation and characterisation of the regulator of the dehalogenase IVa gene of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4
Investigator(s):Tsang JSH
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Isolation and characterisation of the regulator of the dehalogenase IVa gene of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4
Investigator(s):Tsang JSH
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
To identifiy the regulatory element; to confirm the functional role of the regulatory element; to purificate the regulatory protein(s); to characterise the regulatory protein(s); to determinate the DNA-binding site.


Project Title:Identification of differentially expressed proteins during metabolism of 2-haloacids in Burkholderia cepacia MBA4
Investigator(s):Tsang JSH
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Isolation of a gene that controls catabolite repression of Burkholderia cepacia
Investigator(s):Tsang JSH
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:03/2006
Abstract:
Burkholderia cepacia is a group of bacteria with broad metabolic capacity. It was originally isolated as a saprophyte that causes rotten onion. Later it has been used for control of other plant pathogens because of its metabolic capacities. B. cepacia is also clinically important because of its association with cystic fibrosis patients. It is also important for bioremediation because of its ability to degrade complex hydrocarbon and xenobiotics. B. cepacia MBA4 was isolated from batch culture using monobromoacetic acid (MBA) as the sole carbon and energy source. MBA is toxic to the cell and the cleavage of the carbon-bromide bond and subsequent degradation of the glycolate is essential for the survival of the bacterium. MBA4 produces an inducible dehalogenase (DehIVa) in batch culture. Dehalogenases or halidohydrolases are hydrolytic enzymes that cleave the halogen-carbon bond(s) in halogenated aliphatic acids, yielding hydroxy- or oxo- alkanoic acids from mono- or di-substituted substrate, respectively. Current study has confirmed that the expression of DehIVa is induced by various haloacids and DNA sequences 100 bp upstream of the structural gene is sufficient for regulated expression. We are now in the process of characterizing the regulatory elements and have found that the expression of DehIVa is under negative control dependent on the binding of a repressor molecule. Works on this topic are now supported by the RGC. When the cells were grown in rich medium (LB medium) in the presence of haloacid no DehIVa was produced. This suggested that other than the negative control mechanism there was also a catabolite repression system that prevents the cells from producing the dehalogenase when commonly found resources are available. We have recently generated a mutational library of MBA4 using transposon mutagenesis. This library was then screened for clones that produced DehIVa when grown in LB medium supplemented with monochloroacetate (MCA). One of the clones, 37F14, was found to produce higher level of DehIVa in rich medium containing MCA. DNA sequences flanking the site of integration of the transposon were determined and the disrupted gene was found to encode for a conserved hypothetical protein found in many bacteria. The role of the putative gene product has not been identified. The DNA sequences were, however, only an incomplete sequence of the putative gene. In other bacteria the hypothetical conserved gene usually encoded for a protein of more than 800 residues. In this proposal I would like to obtain the full-length sequence of this conserved gene in B. cepacia MBA4. The information obtained will be able to provide more information on the structure of this gene. The ultimate goal of this proposal is obtain sufficient background information for preparation of a RGC grant in 2006 to investigate the role of this conserved protein. Knowing the role of this protein in MBA4 will be able to provide a basis for the role of this kind of proteins in other bacteria.


List of Research Outputs

Chu Y.Y. and Tsang J.S.H., Characterization of the putative promoter of the haloacid operon of Burkholderia sp. MBA4, In Abstracts of the 10th International Symposium on the Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, Prague, Czech Republic. 2006, p. 79.
Leung K.C.J. and Tsang J.S.H., Purification of a transcriptional regulator of the haloacid dehalogenase gene of Burkholderia sp. MBA4, In Abstracts of the 10th International Symposium on the Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms, Prague, Czech Republic. 2006, p. 78.
Liu S.Y.K., Tsang J.S.H., Leung P.C., Chow B.K.C. and Wan J.M.F., Proteomics of Macrophage; an Approach to Understand Lipopolysaccharide-challenged inflammation, Molecular & Cellular Proteomics 4.8:S231, HUPO 4th Annual World Congress, August 28-September 1, 2005, Munich. 2005.
Tsang J.S.H., Yu M. and Tam V., Determination of the membrane topology of a haloacid transporter of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4, FEBS Journal 272 supplement . 2005, 1: 203.
Tsang J.S.H., Proteomic analysis of a Burkholderia sp. that degrades haloacids, International Proteomics Symposium 2006, Hong Kong. 2006.
Tsang J.S.H., Chu Y.Y. and Kong K.F., The haloacid dehalogenase gene of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4 is regulated both negatively and positively, In Abstracts of 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan. 2006, p. 235.


Researcher : Tse MH

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Tse MH

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Wang M

Project Title:Target tyrosinase inhibitors: developing whitening cosmetics and anti-browning agents for fruits, vegetables and seafoods
Investigator(s):Wang M
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:11/2005
Completion Date:10/2006
Abstract:
Tyrosinase (EC.1.14.18.1), also known as polyphenol oxidase is widely existing in plants and animals and involved in the formation of melanin pigments. It plays key physiological roles in plants and aquatic organisms. Melanin pigmentation in human skin is a major defense mechanism against ultraviolet light from the sun. However abnormal pigmentation such as freckles or chloasma (liver spot, melasma) can be a serious aesthetic problem and enzymatic browning caused by tyrosinase browning is considered to lead the major economic losses in some fresh fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, lettuces, apples and peaches and seafoods mainly crustaceans, which are extremely vulnerable to enzymatic browning. This research is proposed to develop 2,4-substituted resorcinol type tyrosinase inhibitors and used them as whitening cosmetics and anti-browning agents. The specific objectives are: Objective 1: Preparation of European licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, mulberry (Morus alba) twig and bark, and paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) bark and twig extracts, development of instrumental methods for quality control of these extracts, testing their anti-browning effects in sea foods (Shrimp and lobster), and fresh-cut vegetable and fruits (apple, pear, and lettuce). Developing natural anti-browning agents for foods. Objective 2: synthesize resorcinol type tyrosinase inhibitors, test their whitening effects, apply them in cosmetic products as whitening agents.


Project Title:Resveratrol derivatives as disease prevention agents
Investigator(s):Wang M
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:02/2006
Abstract:
The proposed research seeks to use phytochemicals, especially resveratrol derivatives (stilbene compounds) as disease chemopreventive agents. Our preliminary research discovered that several stilbene monomers were cancer chempreventive agents and skin-whitening agents. In this research we plan to systematically study the disease preventive activities of various stilbene compounds.The specific goals of this research include: Objective 1: Preparation of stilbene monomer/derivatives from plant materials by isolation and purification or through organic synthesis. To isolate from nature, we will focus on two Hong Kong Gnetum species, Gnetum lofuense and Gnetum montanum Markgr which have not been well studied. Objective 2: Preparation of stilbene oligomers, mainly the dimmers from plant sources or through oxidation of monomers by enzyme and chemical reactions. Objective 3. Preparation of new stilbene derivatives, such as stilbenolignans, by oxidative coupling reaction with other phenolic compounds. Objective 4: Develop and validate sensitive HPLC and LC/MS methods for analysis of stilbene compounds in different plant materials, mainly from Morus, Gnetum and Rheum family plants. Search for plant species and varieties with high contents of bioactive components. Preparation of standardized plant extracts/pure natural products for pharmacological studies. Object 5: Evaluate the antioxidant activity, aldose reductase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of purified compounds and extracts. Apply them for prevention, and treatment of cancer, obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.


List of Research Outputs

Kim M., Meng X., Kim A., Wang M. and Simon J.E., Developing a long-lasting tyrosinase inhibitor from Morus alba L., Cosmetics & Toiletries. 2006, 121(3): 91-92,94,96,98,100,102.
Pan M.H., Sin Y.H., Lai C.S., Wang Y.J., Lin J.K., Wang M. and Ho C.T., Induction of Apoptosis by 1-(2-Hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-3-phenyl-1,3-propanedione through Reactive Oxygen Species Production, GADD153 Expression, and Caspases Activation in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005, 53(23): 9039-9049.
Shen D., Wu Q., Wang M., Yang Y., Lavoie E.J. and Simon J.E., Determination of the Predominant Catechins in Acacia catechu by Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2006, 54(9): 9039-9049.
Wang M., Simon J.E., Liang C.P. and Ho C.T., Analysis and development of novel functional food and nutraceutical ingredients, 6th international conference on food science and technology in Guangzhou, China, November 7-9, 2005.
Wang M., Chemistry and quality control methods for Asian medicinal mushroom and fungi products, Abstracts of Papers, 230th ACS National Meeting, Washington, DC, United States, August 28 - September 1, 2005. AGFD-158.
Wang M., Sang S., Hwang L.S. and Ho C.T., Herbs, Challenges in Chemistry and Biology, ACS symposium series 925. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 2006, 369 pp.
Wang M., Wu Q. and Simon J.E., LC/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry): An important tool and easy approach for natural products research, Abstracts of Papers, 230th ACS National Meeting, Washington, DC, United States, August 28 - September 1, 2005. AGFD-129.


Researcher : Wang SB

List of Research Outputs

Wang S.B., Chen S.F., Sommerfeld M. and Hu Q., Isolation and characterization of cell wall-deficient Haematococcus pluvialis mutants, Proteomics. 2005, 5: 4839-4851.


Researcher : Wong CC

List of Research Outputs

Wong C.C., Li H., Cheng K.W. and Chen S.F., A systematic survey of antioxidant activity of 30 Chinese medicinal plants using the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, Food Chemistry. 2006, 97: 705-711.


Researcher : Wong CMQ

List of Research Outputs

Wong C.M.Q., Sze K.H. and Ma C.Y., Structural determination of an antimicrobial peptide by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA. June, 2006.


Researcher : Wong HW

List of Research Outputs

Wong H.W. and Ma C.Y., Raman spectroscopic determination of extent of deamidation of food proteins, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting . 2005.


Researcher : Wong KH

List of Research Outputs

Huang J., Wong K.H. and Chen S.F., Metabolic engineering of carotenoid biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for production of astaxanthin, Abstracts and Program of the 10th International Conference on Applied Phycology, 24-28 July 2005, Kunming, China. 2005, p. 158.


Researcher : Xiao S

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Xiao S

List of Research Outputs

Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Investigations on Arabidopsis acyl-CoA binding protein ACBP3, First Asian Symposium on Plant Lipids, Tokyo, Japan, November 25-27, 2005. Session 4, p. 23. Invited talk. 2005.
Leung K.C., Li H., Xiao S., Tse M.H. and Chye M.L., Arabidopsis ACBP3 is an extracellularly-targeted acyl-CoA binding protein, Planta. 2006, 223: 871-881.


Researcher : Yau CP

List of Research Outputs

Yau C.P., Zhuang C.X., Zee S.S.Y. and Yip W.K., Expression of a pollen-specific gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein is developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis in rice, Sexual Plant Reproduction. 2005, 18: 65-74.


Researcher : Yeung ECT

List of Research Outputs

Chye M.L., Sin S.F., Xu Z.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Proteinase inhibitor proteins: exogenous and endogenous functions, In Vitro-Plant (In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant) Invited review article. Wallingford, CABI Publishing, 2006, 42: 100-108.
Chye M.L., Sin S.F. and Yeung E.C.T., Serine proteinase inhibitors are essential for seed development, 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and 11th FAOBMB Congress, Kyoto, Japan, June 18-23, 2006. Poster 1P-C-210, p. 226. 2006.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Down-regulation of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II causes defective seed development, Plant Journal. 2006, 45: 58-70.
Sin S.F., Yeung E.C.T. and Chye M.L., Expression of Solanum americanum genes encoding proteinase inhibitor II is essential for seed development , In "Floriculture, ornamental and plant biotechnology: advances and topical tissues" edited by J.A. Teixeira de Silva. London, Global Science Books, 2006, Chapter 48: p. 447-453.


Researcher : Yip WK

Project Title:Physiological studies of tomato plants transformed with various antisense ACC synthase genes
Investigator(s):Yip WK
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
To examine the gene silencing effects of ACS2 and ACS4 on tomato fruit ripening and development; to examine the effects of ACS1a and ACS6 on System I ethylene biosynthesis during tomato fruit development and ripening; to investigate auxin-induced ethylene physiological impacts by gene silencing of ACS3 and ACS5 in tomatoes.


Project Title:Physiological studies of tomato plants transformed with various antisense ACC synthase genes
Investigator(s):Yip WK
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Functional characterization and subcellular localization of three ethylene receptors in rice
Investigator(s):Yip WK, Yau CP
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
Ethylene is an important plant hormone which regulates a range of developmental and physiological process in plants. In the past decades, exceptional progress has been made on understanding the molecular mechanism controlling the ethylene signalling pathway which was shown to require membrane-associated ethylene receptors to function. In Arabidopsis, there are altogether five ethylene receptors which negatively regulate ethylene responses. However, little is known about the involvement of receptor genes in the ethylene perception of monocotyledonous plants such as rice. Recently, we have successfully isolated five putative ethylene receptor genes from rice and showed that their expression levels were regulated developmentally, and by various external stimuli including ethylene. Here we propose to functionally characterize three rice ethylene receptor genes, OS-ERS1, OS-ERS2 and OS-ETR2 in planta. Moreover recent studies on the subcellular localization of two ethylene receptors, At-ETR1 and NtHK1 (an ethylene receptor ortholog in tobacco) revealed that they were localized to endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane respectively. To understand more in detail how these three rice ethylene receptors function in cellular level, we propose to investigate their corresponding subcellular localization by fusing with fluorescent protein.


Project Title:Characterization of a cyanide detoxification gene encoding L-3-cyanoalanine synthase, and determine its relationships with the cysteine synthases family in the rice genome
Investigator(s):Yip WK
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Yau C.P., Zhuang C.X., Zee S.S.Y. and Yip W.K., Expression of a pollen-specific gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein is developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis in rice, Sexual Plant Reproduction. 2005, 18: 65-74.
Yip W.K. and Leung C.M., Characterization of two auxin-induced ACC synthase genes in tomatoes, 20th IUBMB International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto, Japan. 2006.
Yip W.K., The effects of plant hormone ethylene on flower and fruit development in tomatoes, Fifth Cross-strait Symposium on Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Taiwan. 2005.
Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Yu KY

List of Research Outputs

Lam N.W., Yu K.Y., Le Blanc J...C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SBSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic Arabidopsis by means of tandem mass spectrometry, 54th American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference, Seattle, USA. 2006.
Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidopsis by means of tandem mass spectrometry , Poster Presentation in Proceedings of 54th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topies, Seattle, Washington State, U.S.A., May 28 - June 1, 2006 . 2006, Poster No. 466.
Yu K.Y., Lam N.W., Shiu H.Y.F., Yves Le Blanc J.C., Lo C.S.C. and Chu I.K., Identification and characterization of SbSTS1-derived secondary metabolites in transgenic arabidposis by means of tandem mass spectrometry, Poster Presentation in 13rd Symposium on Chemistry Postgraduate Research in Hong Kong , University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, April 22, 2006 . 2006, Poster No. A23.


Researcher : Yu M

List of Research Outputs

Tsang J.S.H., Yu M. and Tam V., Determination of the membrane topology of a haloacid transporter of Burkholderia cepacia MBA4, FEBS Journal 272 supplement . 2005, 1: 203.


Researcher : Yuen SN

List of Research Outputs

Yuen S.N. and Ma C.Y., Determination of degree of substitution of chemically modified xanthan by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopic methods, Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA. June, 2006.


Researcher : Zee SSY

List of Research Outputs

Chang R.C.C., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., Zee S.S.Y., Yuen W.H. and So K.F., Screening of neuroprotective agents from Chinese medicinal herbs by protein kinases, Society for Neuroscience 2005. Program No. 209.5.
Fang X., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y. and Chang R.C.C., Immune modulatory effects of Prunella vulgaris L. on monocytes/macrophages, International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2005, 16: 1109-1116.
Ip K.C., Chiu K., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., Chang R.C.C. and So K.F., Immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum on neuroprotection in chronic ocular hypertensive model, 2005 Hong Kong-Macau Postgraduate Symposium on Chinese Medicine. 2005, 124-125 C-10 Poster Presentation.
Ip K.C., Chiu K., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., Chang R.C.C. and So K.F., Neuroprotective effect of Lycium Barbarum in rat chronic ocular hypertension model via immunomodulation of macrophages/microglia, The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, The 25th Annual Scientific Meeting, December 5-6, 2005. 31 Poster-8.
Lai S.W., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Inhibitory effects of b-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity by the aqueous extracts from Verbena Officinalis, Society for Neuroscience 2005. Program No. 209.6.
Lai S.W., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotection and herbal medicine: experience form Verbeba Officinalisin Protecting Neurons from Beta-amyloid peptide toxicity , International Symposium on healthy aging: A global challenge for the 21stCentury, Hong Kong, March 4-5, 2006.
Lai S.W., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotective effects of aqueous extracts from Verbena officinalis against Beta-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity, 2005 Hong Kong-Macau Postgraduate Symposium on Chinese Medicine. 2005, 134-135 C-15 Poster Presentation.
Lai S.W., Yu M.S., Yuen W.H., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Potential neuroprotective agent from botanical extract: an experience of using verbena officinalis against b-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity, The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, The 25th Annual Scientific Meeting December 5-6, 2005. 33 Poster-10.
Yau C.P., Zhuang C.X., Zee S.S.Y. and Yip W.K., Expression of a pollen-specific gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase-like protein is developmentally regulated during early microsporogenesis in rice, Sexual Plant Reproduction. 2005, 18: 65-74.
Yu M.S., Leung K.Y., Lai S.W., Che C.M., Zee S.S.Y., So K.F., Yuen W.H. and Chang R.C.C., Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against bamyloid peptide neurotoxicity, Experimental Gerontology. 2005, 40: 716-727.
Yu M.S., Lai S.W., Zee S.S.Y., Yuen W.H., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C., Postential significance of anti-aging Lycium barbarum in Alzheimer's disease, 2005 Hng Kong-Macau Postgraduate Symposium on Chinese Medicine. 2005, 180-181C-38 Poster Presentation.
Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


Researcher : Zhou Y

Project Title:Production of antiviral signals in transgenic plants via expression of double-stranded RNA: a feasibility study
Investigator(s):Zhou Y, Lam E
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:10/2003
Completion Date:07/2005
Abstract:
To demonstrate that siRNAs targeting transcripts of an animal virus for cleavage can be produced in transgenic tobacco plants; to explore if chloroplast genome can be engineered to produce siRNAs, and if yes, to compare the efficacy of dsRNAs produced in the nucleus vs. plastids for transcript silencing in tobacco; to examine the feasibility of RNA and dsRNA uptake into the circulatory system of rabbits feeding on transgenic or wild-type tomatoes, as well as commercial animal fed with added synthetic siRNAs.


Project Title:Production of antiviral signals in transgenic plants via expression of double-stranded RNA: a feasibility study
Investigator(s):Zhou Y
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:10/2003
Completion Date:07/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Hunting for environment-friendly genes from a model plant arabidopsis
Investigator(s):Zhou Y
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:02/2004
Completion Date:07/2005
Abstract:
To test the phytoremediation abilities of those genes in plants through genetic engineering, and put them into application in cleaning-up the contamined areas.


Project Title:Chloroplast transformation of microalage for the production of pharmaceuticals
Investigator(s):Zhou Y, Chen SF
Department:Botany
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:02/2005
Completion Date:08/2005
Abstract:
To develop a technology for the transformation of Chlorella vulgaris. Chlorella is a single-celled, fresh water alga. This nutraceutical microorganism offers rich amounts of chlorophyll, Chlorella Growth Factor, proteins, beta carotene, B vitamins and various minerals.


List of Research Outputs

Zhou Y., Lee Y.T., Ng M.H., Chye M.L., Yip W.K., Zee S.S.Y. and Lam E., A truncated hepatitis E virus ORF2 protein expressed in tobacco plastids is antigenic in mice, World Journal of Gastroentrology. 2006, 12: 306-312.


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